Srinagar

Omar Abdullah has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu seeking urgent intervention to ensure the timely and secure transportation of baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning to Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the request comes after reports that checked-in baggage of returning pilgrims could not be carried on the same flights due to ongoing maintenance work and operational constraints at Srinagar Airport. The baggage is reportedly being routed separately and transported by road from Ahmedabad, causing delays in delivery.

In his letter, Abdullah noted that many pilgrims are elderly and have undertaken the sacred journey after years of devotion. He said the delayed arrival of baggage has caused inconvenience and disappointment to pilgrims and their families.

The chief minister highlighted that Haj pilgrims traditionally distribute Zamzam water, dates and other religious offerings to relatives, neighbours and well-wishers immediately after returning home. Delays in baggage delivery, he said, have disrupted these religious and social customs.

Abdullah urged the civil aviation ministry to make arrangements for pilgrims’ baggage to be transported safely and, wherever possible, alongside passengers on the same flights returning to Jammu and Kashmir.

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He said timely delivery of baggage would not only prevent hardship for pilgrims and their families but also help preserve the significance of items carrying deep religious and sentimental value.